Sosyal destek, benliğin ayrımlaşması ve kontrol odağının kaygı üzerindeki etkisinin araştırılması

This quantitative cross-sectional study was designed to examine the effects of social support, locus of control and differentiation of self on anxiety. Using the Bowen's Family Systems Theory, we aimed at examining the same relationship with a systemic lens. The data was collected both online and via pen-and-paper style. Four hundred and forty five students, from various universities in Istanbul, participated in this study. Eligibility criteria included being in the age range of 18 to 25 years old, and being able to speak and understand Turkish. The data was collected from 445 university students. Most of the participants were females (n=327, 73.5%), from middle SES level (n=219, 49.2%), 4th grade students (n=172, 38.7%) and they reported having no anxiety related psychological problems (n=405, 91%). The participation was mainly online via Qualtrics link (n=278, 62.5%). A set of questionnaire included demographic form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Differentiation of Self Inventory (DoSI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Rotter's Locus of Control Scale (RLCS). Hierarchical linear regression was conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 21. As a result, differentiation of self was found to be associated with trait anxiety after accounting for social support and locus of control variables. That is, as the level of differentiation of self increased, the level of trait anxiety decreased. This result was in line with the previous literature findings. However, social support and external locus of control were found to be associated with state anxiety. Therefore, this study has not only filled the gap in the literature with Turkish population, but also has emphasized the importance of differentiation of self. More longitudinal studies with a systemic perspective should be need in future research. In fact, we would be able to understand the complex nature of anxiety as practitioners who work in the field and be able to develop systemic interventions that benefit people living with anxiety.